Rear sight for firearms



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Wwf/fw l Patented Jan. 20, 1948 UNITED STATES Statt linut PATENT FFICE REAR SIGHT FOR FIREARMS Application March 22, 1944, Serial No. 527,577

19 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in rear sights for use with firearms and more particularly to a rear sight of improved structure including improved means for adjusting the elevation of the sight leaf thereof.

One object of this invention is to provide an improved rear sight for firearms having in its structure an improved form of elevation adjusting means.

Another object is to provide in a rear sight a sight leaf adapted to be elevated at one end and improved means to elevate and to indicate the amount of such elevation,

A further object is to provide in a rear sight of the above nature means to elevate a sight leaf and means cooperating with the leaf elevating means to releasably lock the elevating means in its adjusted position and to indicate the accomplishment of the adjustment.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved rear sight for firearms which will be relatively inexpensive to manufacture, simple in construction, compact, ornamental in appearance, and very efficient and durable in use.

With the above and other objects in view, which will appear as the description proceeds, there has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings, a form of rear sight in which the features and principles of this invention may be conveniently embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a rear sight embodying the features of this invention;

Figure 2 is a rear end view of the same;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the same;

Figure 4 is a front end view of the same;

Figure 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sight taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 6--6 of Figure 5;

Figure 'l is a top plan view of the leaf spring of the sight illustrated;

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 8--8 of Figure 5; and

Figure 9 is an end view of a slide member used in the sight illustrated, to effect elevational adjustment of the sight leaf.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, the numeral I I denotes a sight base, generally U-shaped in cross-section, the bottom I2 of which is arcuately shaped in crosssection to t the curvature of a rearm part such as a receiver, or barrel, to which the base |I is to be secured as by screws |3 and III which pass through suitable openings in the base bottom I2 and screw thread into the rearm part (not shown). Side flanges I5 and l5 extend upwardly from respective sides of the base bottom I2. The forward portions of the side flanges I5 and I6 are inclined downwardly and rearwardly from their front ends to an intermediate point I'l between the base ends to form an inclined surface I8 on each flange. The side flanges I5 and I6 at the intermediate point I'I are stepped upwardly to form forwardly facing shoulders I9 and, from these shoulders I9, are then inclined rearwardly and downwardly to the rear ends thereof.

A sight leaf 2| of springable material is disposed between the side flanges I5 and I6. desired the leaf 2| may be tensioned to spring downwardly. Lugs 22 and 23 extend from respective sides of the leaf 2| adjacent its rear end and t into notches 24 and 25 respectively formed in the side flanges I5 and I6. The front and free end of the leaf 2|, in this instance, is depressed I slightly, as at 26, and is turned upwardly to form a transversely extending flange 2l. The head of the screw I4 passes through an opening 28 provided in the leaf 2| and clamps downwardly upon a leaf spring 4I. The flange 21 is provided with a transversely elongated hole 29 to receive a screw 3| which is provided to secure a sight plate 32 to the front surface 33 of the flange 2l. The screw 3| passes through the plate 32 and screw threads into a nut 34 disposed against the rear face of the flange 21 to clamp the sight plate 32 to the flange 21. Adjustment for windage may be made by loosening the screw 3| and sliding the plate 32 and the nut 34 laterally on the ange 2'I.

The sight plate 32 is provided, adjacent its upper end with a peep hole 35 over which a forwardly directed hood 36 extends, the hood 36 being arcuate in cross-section. One side of the sight plate 32 is provided with a V-notch 31 and the other side of the plate 32 is provided with a U-notch 38. By loosening the clamp screw 3| the plate 32 may be rotated to present either the V-notch 3l or the U-notch 38 to the user for sighting purpose (see dotted lines in Figure 4).

A fiat elongated spring 4| is disposed under the leaf 2| between it and the base bottom I2 and is tensioned to spring downwardly. An elongated hole 42 is provided in the rear end portion of the spring 4I through which the body of the screw I4 passes and whereby the spring 4I may be adjusted lengthwise in respect to the sight plate 32. The spring 4I is loosely secured to the leaf 2| at an intermediate point of each by ears 43 and 44 bent downwardly from the leaf 2| and extending in under the spring 4|. The spring 4| being tensioned to press downwardly acts on the leaf 2| through the ears 43 and 44 t0 urge it downwardly in contact with a slide member 46. At its forward end the spring 4| is, in this instance, bent to pass in under the depressed pory tion 26 of the leaf and extends forwardly beyond the end flange 21 thereof, as at 40, to engage the bottom edge 39 of the sight plate 32, or, when the plate 32 is rotated, to engage a side edge thereof, to hold the plate securely in its adjusted position. The flat side and bottom edges of the sight plate 32 are arranged tangential to its axis of rotation. The spring 4| is provided with a plurality of transversely extended grooves 45 formed in its upper surface which are spacedv apart lengthwise of the spring.

The slide member 46, Figure 9, is generally U- shaped in cross-section and has a bottom portion 41 and inverted U-shaped side flanges 48 and 49. The bottom portion 4l of the slide member 46 is disposed between the leaf 2| and the spring 4| and is provided with a transversely extending and depending ridge 5I adapted to be received in each of the grooves 45 formed in the spring 4|. The inverted `U-shaped side flanges 48 and 49 of the member 46 rest on and embrace the side flanges l5 and I6 whereby the member 46 may be slid along the inclined surfaces I8 to raise or lower the leaf 2|. When in its most rearward position the member 46 engages the stop shoulder I9 and is thus prevented against further rearward movement.

To facilitate the sliding of the member 46 on the inclined flanges |5 and |6 the outer surfaces of the side flanges 48 and 49 are knurled to prevent the users fingers slipping therefrom. To indicate the amount the leaf 2| is elevated the outer surfaces of one of the flanges I5 and |6 is provided with scratch lines 52 which correspond with the front edge of the member 46. The amount of elevation given the leaf 2| may also be ascertained, during adjustment, by noting the snapping of the ridge 5| into a groove 45. Variation in the position of the grooves 45, in the spring 4|, in respect to the sight plate 32, to vary the elevatonof the leaf 2|' to correct the range of the sight, may be made by loosening the screw I4 and shifting the spring 4| lengthwise, the elongated hole 42 being provided for this purpose. In the arrangement illustrated, the screw |4 forms common means to clamp the spring 4| and the base Il to the gun part (not shown). The spring 4| is also common means to hold the sight plate 32 in adjusted position, and to resiliently engage the member 46 to releasably lock it in its leaf elevating position. By the provision of the above described new and useful structure, an improved firearm rear sight is provided having a sight leaf which is readily and efficiently adjusted to compensate for the distance the target is from the user.

It will be understood that the novel features and principles of this invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention.

Having thus fully disclosed'the invention, what is claimed as new and for which it is desired to secure Letters Patent is:

1. In a sight for firearms, a base including a member having a downwardly and rearwardly unbroken inclined surface, a sight leaf extending lengthwise of and attached to said base and lying alongside of the member having the inclined surface, a flat leaf spring in engagement with said leaf to normally urge it downwardly, a slide resting on the inclined surface, extending under said leaf, and being slidable along the inclined surface t0' elevate the sight leaf, and cooperating means between said leaf spring and said slide to act at intervals of the sliding movement of said slide along said inclined surface to releasably lock it in position.

2. In a rear sight for firearms, a base having a side flange the upper surface of which is unbroken and inclined downwardly and rearwardly, a sight leaf normally urged downwardly, said leaf being secured at one end and free at its other end, a slide extending in under said leaf and having a portion slidably resting on said inclined surface to elevate said leaf as it is slid along the said surface toward the free end of said leaf and a member extending lengthwise along said leaf in engagement with said slide to releasably retain it in its adjusted position upon the inclined surface.

3. In a rear sight for firearms, a base having a side flange the upper surface of which is unbroken and inclined downwardly and rearwardly, a sight leaf normally urged downwardly, said leaf being secured at one end and free atits other end, a slide extending in under said leaf .and having a portion slidably resting on said inclined surface to elevate said leaf as it is slid along the said surface toward the free end of said leaf, and a member in connection with said leaf and extending lengthwise therealong and being in cooperating engagement with said slide to releasably lock said slide at intervals of its sliding movements along said inclined surface.

4. In a rear sight for firearms, a base generally U-shaped in cross-section, the sides of said U- shaped base having downwardly and rearwardly unbroken inclined top surfaces, a sight leaf disposed between the sides of said base and being secured at one end and free at the other end, a flat leaf spring in engagement with said leaf to urge it downwardly, and a slide extending in under said leaf and slidably resting on the inclined top surfaces of the base sides to elevate the free end of said leaf as it is slid along the said inclined surfaces, said leaf spring engaging said slide to releasably retain it in its adjusted position on the inclined top surfaces.

5. In a rear sight for firearms, a base generally U-shaped in cross-section, the sides of said U- shaped base having downwardly and rearwardly inclined top surfaces, a sight leaf disposed between the sides of said base and being secured at one end and free at the other end, a slide extending in under said leaf and slidably resting on the inclined top surfaces of the base sides to elevate the free end of said leaf as it is slid along the said inclined surfaces, a flat spring disposed ln under said leaf and engaging said slide, and cooperating means between said spring and said slide to releasably lock said slide at intervals of its sliding movements.

6. In a rear sight for firearms, a base generally U-shaped in crosssection,the sides of said U- shaped base having downwardly and rearwardly inclined top surfaces, a sight leaf disposed bedegli lill tween the sides of said base and being secured at one end and free at the other enda slide extending in under said leaf and slidably resting on the inclined top surfaces of the base sides to elevate the free end of said leaf as it is slid along the said inclined surfaces, and a flat spring disposed in under said leaf and engaging said slide, said spring having a series of spaced apart depressions in its upper surface, and said slide having a depending ridge to cooperate with the said depressions in said spring to releasably lock said slide at intervals of its sliding movement.

7. In a rear sight for firearms, a base generally- U-shaped in cross-section, the sides of said U- shaped base having downwardly and rearwardly inclined top surfaces, a sight Aleaf disposed be# tween the sides of said base and being secured at one end and free at the other end, a sight plate rotatably secured to the free end of said leaf, said plate having fiat side and bottom edges, a slide extending in under said lleaf and slidably resting on the inclined top surfaces of the base sides to elevate the free end of said leaf as it is slid along the said inclined surfaces, and a fiat spring disposed in under said leaf and adapted to engage the flat side and bottom edges of said sight plate to retain it in place.

8. In a rear sight for firearms, a base generally U-shaped in cross-section, the sides of said U- shaped base having downwardly and rearwardly inclined top surfaces, a sight leaf disposed between the sides of said base and being secured at one end and free at the other end, a sight plate rotatably secured to the free end of said leaf, said plate having flat side and bottom edges displaced relative to the axis of rotation of said plate, a slide extending in under said leaf and slidably resting on the inclined top surfaces of the base sides to elevate the free end of said leaf as it is slid along the said inclined surfaces, and a flat spring disposed in under said leaf and adapted to engage the flat side and bottom edges of said sight plate to retain it in place against rotation, said spring having a series of spaced apart depressions in its upper surface, and said slide having a depending ridge to cooperate with said depressions in said spring to releasably lock said slide at intervals of its sliding movement.

9. In a rear sight for firearms, a base generally U-shaped in cross-section, the sides of said U- shaped base having downwardly and rearwardly inclined top surfaces, a sight leaf disposed between the sides of said base and being secured at one end and free at the other end, a sight plate rotatably secured to the free end of said leaf, said plate having fiat side and bottom edges displaced relative to the axis of rotation of said plate, a slide extending in under said leaf and slidably resting on the inclined top surfaces of the base sides to elevate the free end of said leaf as it is slid along the said inclined surfaces, a fiat spring disposed in under said leaf and adapted to engage the flat side and bottom edges of said sight plate to retain it in place against rotation, and cooperating means between said spring and said slide to releasably lock said slide at intervals of its sliding movements.

10. In a rear sight for firearms, a base having a side flange the upper surface of which is inclined downwardly and rearwardly, a sight leaf normally urged downwardly, said leaf being secured at one end and free at its other end, a sight plate rotatably secured to the free end of said leaf, said plate having fiat side and bottom edges displaced relative to the axis of rotation of said plate, a slide extending in under said leaf and having a portion slidably resting on said inclined surface to elevate said leaf as it is slid along the said surface toward the free end of said leaf, and common means cooperating with said slide to releasably lock the slide at intervals along said inclined surface and to engage the flat side and bottom edges of said sight plate to retain it against rotation in respect to the leaf.

11. In a rear sight for firearms, a base having a side ange the upper surface of which is inclined downwardly and rearwardly, a sight leaf, said leaf being secured at one end and free at its other end, a sight plate rotatably secured to the free end of said leaf, said plate having flat side and bottom edges displaced relative to the axis of rotation of said plate, a slide extending in under said leaf 'and having a portion slidably resting on said inclined surface to elevate said leaf as it is' slid along the said surface toward the free end of said leaf, a fiat spring disposed in under said leaf and said slide, said spring engaging said leaf to urge it downwardly, and cooperating means between said spring and said slide to releasably lock said slide at intervals of its sliding movements, said spring engaging said fiat side and bottom edges of said sight plate to retain it against rotation in respect to the leaf.

12. A rear sight for firearms comprising a base having a side flange the upper surface of which is inclined downwardly, a sight leaf secured at one end and free at the other end, a slide member extending in under said leaf and having a portion slidably resting on the inclined surface of said fiange to elevate the leaf as it is slid along the surface toward the free end of the leaf, a at spring member disposed in under said leaf and said slide member and in engagement with the leaf to urge it downwardly, and cooperating means between said spring member and said slide member to releasably lock said slide member at intervals of its sliding movements.

13. A rear sight for firearms comprising a base having a side flange the upper surface of which is inclined downwardly, a sight leaf secured at one end and free at the other end, a slide member extending in under said leaf and having a portion slidably resting on the inclined surface of said iiange to elevate the leaf as it is slid along the surface toward the free end of the leaf, a flat spring member disposed in under said leaf and said slide member and in engagement with the leaf to urge it downwardly, a ridge on one of the members and a depression on the other of said members adapted to nest to releasably lock said slide member in an adjusted position on the inclined surface.

14. A rear sight for firearms comprising a base having a side flange the upper surface of which is inclined downwardly, a sight leaf secured at one end and free at the other end, a slide member extending in under said leaf and having a portion slidably resting on the inclined surface of said fiange to elevate the leaf as it is slid along the surface toward the free end of the leaf, a flat spring member disposed in under said leaf and said slide member, portions of said leaf extending about said spring to fasten it to said leaf to effect a downward urge of said leaf by said spring, and cooperating means between said spring and said slide to releasably lock said slide at intervals of its sliding movements.

l5. A rear sight for firearms comprising a base having a side fiange the upper surface of which is inclined downwardly, a sight leaf secured at one end and free at the other end, a slide member extending in under said leaf and having a portion slidably resting on the inclined surface of said flange to elevate the leaf as it is slid along the surface toward the free end of the leaf, a flat spring member disposed in under said leaf and said slide member and in engagement with the leaf to urge it downwardly, and common means to clamp an end of said spring to said base and said base to a firearm part.

16. A rear sight for firearms comprising a, base having a side ange the upper surface of which is inclined downwardly, a sight leaf secured at one end and free at the other end, a slide member extending in under said leaf and having a position slidably resting on the inclined surface of said flange to elevate the leaf as it is slid along the surface toward the free end of the leaf, a flat spring member` disposed in under said leaf. and said slide memberand in engagement with the leaf to urge it downwardly, and cooperating means between said springmember and said slide member to releasably locksaid slide member at intervals of its sliding movements, a fastener arranged to clamp an end of said spring to said base and said base to 4a firearm part, said spring having a lengthwise elongated hole in its clamped end through which said fastener passes and whereby said spring may be adjusted lengthwise to vary the position of said cooperating means and thus Vary the elevation of the leaf to correct the range of the sight.

17. In a rear sight for firearms, a base having side flanges, the upper surfaces of said side fianges being inclined downwardly, a flat sight leaf disposed between said flanges, a slide extending in under said leaf and riding on'said flanges to elevate the leaf as the slide is moved along the flanges in one direction, and a flat leaf spring secured at one end to the base and being in engagement with the sight leaf to urge it downwardly.

18. In a rear sight for rearms, a base having side flanges, the upper surfaces of said side flanges being inclined downwardly, a flat sight leaf disposed between said flanges, a sight plate rotatably mounted upon an end of the sight leaf and having side and bottom edges displaced relative to the axis of rotation of said plate, a slide extending in under said leaf and riding on said anges to elevate the leaf as the slide is moved along the flanges in one direction, and a flat leaf spring secured at one end to the base and being in engagement with thesight leaf to urge it downwardly and being adapted to engage the side and bottom edges of the sight plate to retain it against rotation. -Y

19. A rear sight for rearms comprising a base having a side ange the upper surface of which is inclined downwardly, a sight leaf secured at one end and free at the other end, a slide member extending in under said leaf and having a portion slidably resting 0n theinclined surface of said flange to elevate the leaf as it is slid along the surface toward the freevend of the leaf, a flat springmember disposed in under said leaf and said slide-member fand,y in lengagement with the leaf to urge .it downwardly, and cooperating means between said spring member and said slide member to releasablytlock said slide member at intervals of its sliding movements, means to fasten an end of said iiat spring to a rearm part, said flat spring being adjustable lengthwise to vary the position of said cooperating means lengthwise in respect to the sight leaf.

HARO'LD F. MossBERG.

REFERENoEs CITED The' following references are of record in the iile of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Switzerland Aug. 1, 1924 

